As the 2025/2026 La Liga season heats up, Levante UD host Villarreal CF at the Estadio Ciutat de València on 18 February. This fixture, postponed earlier due to heavy rain, pits a side battling relegation against one chasing European glory. Levante sit 19th with 18 points from 23 matches, while Villarreal are in third place on 45 points from the same number of games. The match carries a regional rivalry, adding intensity to the encounter.
Levante's recent form has been inconsistent, with their last five La Liga results reading as losses, losses, draw, win, and loss. This leaves them in a precarious position in the table. Villarreal, meanwhile, have also struggled lately, posting a sequence of loss, win, draw, loss, and loss in their previous five league outings, which could temper their ambitions despite their strong standing.
Key players will need to step up amid injury concerns for both teams. For Levante, goalkeeper M. Ryan (rating 6.86), defender M. Moreno (6.71), and forward I. Romero (6.66) are ones to watch, but they will be without Roger Brugué due to an outer ligament tear and Kervin Arriaga through suspension, with Pablo Martínez listed as doubtful. Villarreal boast talents like N. Pépé (6.97), S. Mouriño (6.94), and R. Marín (6.86), along with goal scorers Alberto Moleiro (9 goals) and Georges Mikautadze (7 goals). However, they face absences including Pau Cabanes, Logan Costa, Juan Foyth, Thomas Partey, Alfon González, Gerard Moreno, and Willy Kambwala due to various injuries.
Tactically, Levante are expected to line up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, potentially featuring players like Ryan in goal and variations in defense and midfield. Villarreal might opt for a 4-4-2 setup with possible inclusions such as Júnior at the back and attackers like Mikautadze up front. In head-to-head encounters, Villarreal claimed a dominant 5-0 victory in the reverse fixture this season, which could influence the tactical approach as both sides look to exploit familiar weaknesses.
Given the current form and standings, Villarreal could hold an edge due to their higher position and previous win, but Levante's desperation in the relegation fight might make this a closely contested affair. Ultimately, the outcome is likely to lean towards Villarreal, though Levante's home ground could play a factor in keeping things unpredictable.
